Building controller with adaptable mount
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Building controllers often require different mounting configurations depending on the application, either to a wall or a DIN rail, but existing solutions lack adaptability to determine the best mount type in the field.
Innovation Solution
A modular mount system for building controllers that includes a back plate and sliding mounting clips, allowing configuration between wall and DIN rail mounts through defined threshold sliding forces, with detents to secure the clips in specific positions until sufficient force is applied to change positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a building controller is designed with a fixed mounting method (either wall mount or DIN rail mount), then the mounting structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different installation scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is designed to perform multiple functions: it can mount the building controller to either a wall or a DIN rail depending on its position. The clip includes a securement feature for wall mounting and an engagement feature for DIN rail mounting, allowing a single component to serve multiple mounting purposes and eliminating the need for separate mounting structures for different installation scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip is designed as a movable component that can slide between different positions along a slot in the back plate. The detent mechanism allows the clip to be held in specific positions (first position for DIN rail mounting, second position for wall mounting) and transitions between these positions when force is applied. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same mounting structure to adapt to different mounting requirements
2Reliability
If a mounting clip is held securely in position by detents, then the mounting reliability is high, but the ease of reconfiguration between mounting types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is designed to provide secure holding in mounted positions while allowing controlled transition between positions. The spring-loaded or resilient detent engages with corresponding features on the mounting clip to lock it in place during normal operation, ensuring reliable mounting. However, when sufficient force is applied in the opposite direction, the detent disengages, allowing the clip to be repositioned. This dynamic behavior provides both reliability during operation and ease of reconfiguration when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip operates in a periodic cycle: it is held securely in a mounted position by the detent mechanism during normal operation, then can be transitioned to a different position by applying force to overcome the detent, and finally locked into the new position by the detent. This periodic engagement and disengagement of the detent mechanism enables reliable mounting during operation while allowing easy reconfiguration when required
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A building controller may include a housing having a back plate and a mounting clip, which may be slidably disposed relative to the back plate between a wall mount position used when mounting the building controller to the wall, and a DIN rail mount position used when mounting the building controller to a DIN rail. When in the wall mount position, the mounting clip and the back plate may be configured to hold the mounting clip in the wall mount position until at least a first threshold sliding force is applied to the mounting clip. When in the DIN rail mount position, the mounting clip and the back plate are configured to hold the mounting clip in the DIN rail mount position until at least a second threshold sliding force is applied to the mounting clip.